Safe Work Practices

Safe work procedures are usually required for jobs that are performed regularly or for specific one-off tasks that are considered hazardous. A safe work procedure is a document that identifies the hazards associated with an activity to be carried out at a workplace, the risks arising from these activities, and the measures required to control those risks and ensure the safety of everyone affected by the activities. Use our intuitive, step-by-step process to help you create comprehensive procedures, enabling your business to foster a safe work environment.

Please select a SWP from the list below for more information

Changing a tire

  • People at risk:

    • Employees

    • Slip/trip hazards

    • Collisions

    • Moving vehicles

    • Inattentive drivers

    • Poor conditions

    • Accidents

    • Injury

    • Equipment damage

    • High-vis vest

    • High vis vest

    • Emergency Kit

    • Roadside Triangles

    • Hand tools for changing the tire

    • Traffic safety awareness

    • Familiar with using hand tools

    • Familiar with using a car jack to lift the vehicle

    • Pull off the road as far as you can to avoid traffic, keeping both yourself and the travelling public safe from each other

    • Find a level area in which to park the car prior to beginning any activities

    • Ensure vehicles emergency/parking break is engaged

    • Turn engine off and turn four-way flashers on. You may want to open the hood as a sign to indicate to other drivers that you’re stopped for repairs If your vehicle has emergency equipment, like triangles or pylons, set them up far enough from the rear of your vehicle to give adequate warning to approaching traffic

    • Place an object in front or behind the tires on the opposite side to act as a wheel chock keeping the vehicle from rolling. You could use either a rock or log should you not have wheel chocks.

    • Gather/Collect vehicle spare, the tire iron (lug wrench) and vehicle jack

    • Visually inspect equipment listed above for signs of wear and tear, or cracks in the equipment prior to starting. If equipment looks faulty you’ll need to call/contact someone for assistance.

    • Do not use poorly maintained or faulty equipment to perform this task

    • Attempt to loosen lug nuts prior to jacking the vehicle – rotate lug nuts left (counter-clockwise) to loosen

    • Loosen lug nuts following a star pattern, until all of the lug nuts have been slightly loosened

    • Place vehicle jack in the spot indicated in the owner’s manual

    • Slowly jack the vehicle, observing the stability of both the vehicle and jack as weight is transferred

    • Raise the vehicle just high enough for the tire to spin freely to ensure smooth transition between removing the old tire and replacing with the new one

    • Remove the lug nuts and store them in a safe place

    • Carefully support and remove the defective tire from the vehicle and set on the ground away from oncoming vehicle traffic

    • Lift the replacement tire onto the wheel studs, ensuring that the tire valve is facing you

    • Replace the lug nuts on the wheel studs and begin to hand tighten – in the star pattern prior to using the wrench

    • Tighten all lug nuts until snug and rim is tight to hub

    • Slowly lower the vehicle on the jack, until most of the weight is on the tire

    • Again using the star pattern, use the tire iron to completely tighten the lug nuts on to the vehicle’s wheel studs

    • Remove jack from under vehicle and place out of the way of oncoming traffic

    • Perform an additional check of the lug nuts to make sure they are tight and secure, using the tire iron

    • Replace hubcap if present, and return tools and damaged tire securely in their designated spots

Electrical work near overhead power lines

  • People at risk:

    • Employees

    • Contractors

    • Slip/trip hazards

    • Chemical hazards

    • Noise

    • Vibration

    • Weather effects

    • Working at height

    • Overhead cables

    • Electric shock

    • Transport/vehicles

    • Tools/equipment

    • Hot/cold surfaces

    • Electrocution

    • Property damage

    • Vehicular overturn

    • Fire

    • Serious injury or death

    • Safety Harness

    • Safety Boots

    • High Vis Vest

    • Hard Hat

  • Mobile equipment such as:

    • Cranes

    • Scaffolds

    • PPE

    • Work at Heights training

    • Fall Protection training

    • Electrical safety awareness training

    • Daily meeting with other contractors to always maintain co-operation and communication with other trades on site.

    • All persons are supervised appropriately.

    • All required PPE is available as needed.

    • Work area is inspected prior to commencement of work, energised electrical sources are identified.

    • Workers undertaking this work are to be competent, trained, and where required registered and/or licenced with the relevant electrical authority.

    • Workers are to ensure the equipment is de-energised prior to work commencing.

    • De-energisation can include removal from the power source or locking out of the fuse or meter box to the location where works are to be performed.

    • Authorised spotter is used.

    • Exclusion zones are established by an authorised person when working near hazardous energy sources.

    • Conductive ladders and scaffolds shall not be used near electrical equipment or services.

    • Tools and equipment shall be non-conductive or insulated when working near exposed energised parts.

    • When carrying and/or moving loads ensure work is completed in accordance with carrying and handling loads safely requirements.

    • While operating a powered plant, workers must wear all necessary high visibility clothing.

    • If working with overhead loads, ensure safety helmet and glasses are worn by the powered plant operator.

    • For extended periods of powered plant operation, take short breaks to reduce the risk of sprains and strains from hyperextension of the neck and vehicle vibrations.

    • Ensure minimum safe distance of 3 metres is maintained if required to be near live overhead power lines.

    • Place adequate warning devices in the area of the electrical hazard so at least one is always visible to the operator.

    • A competent worker must be designated as a signaller to warn the operator when any part of the equipment, load or hoist line may approach the minimum safe distance.

Seated computer work

  • People at risk:

    • Employees

    • Awkward/sustained posture

    • Repetitive movement

    • Lower back pain

    • Swelling stiffness, numbness/tingling and/or loss of movement or strength in the lower back

    • Eye strain

    • Headache

    • Eye Protection

    • Computer

    • Monitor

    • Keyboard

    • Mouse

    • Mousepad

    • Ergonomic Hazards Orientation

    • Awareness of Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSI)

    • Ensure the top of the monitor is at the eye level

    • Adjust chair to the desired height

    • Before working at a workstation, adjust the chair and other equipment.

    • Try to sit with good posture as much as possible.

    • Look away from your screen periodically to refocus your eyes. A good practice is the 20-20-20 guideline which is to look away from your computer screen every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

    • Avoid prolonged sitting. Get up at least each half hour and move around and stretch.

    • Ensure the top of your monitor is at eye level.

Construction site specific traffic management plan

  • People at risk:

    • Employees

    • Contractors

    • Visitors

    • Members of the Public

    • Working at height

    • Slip/trip hazards

    • Manual handling

    • Sharp edges

    • Hot/cold surfaces

    • Noise

    • Moving vehicles

    • Vibration

    • Dust

    • Overhead cables

    • Transport/vehicles

    • Mechanical machinery

    • Tools/equipment

    • Overturning/collision with vehicle structures and/or pedestrians resulting in crush/impact/fatality

    • Hard Hat

    • Safety Boots

    • High Vis Vest

    • Headroom e.g., goalposts, road sweeper, possible water truck for dust suppression

    • Pre-construction phase or phase plan conducted previously

    • Safety hardhats

    • CSA approved safety shoes

    • Barriers

    • Signs,

    • High visibility clothing

    • Employees received a site orientation and specific awareness training as per provincial and site-specific guidelines

    • Refresher training for working at height compliant to provincial guidelines, hand tool safety, and vibration is given through the use of Toolbox talks.

    • Spotter should be utilized, and the employees will have received training as per provincial guidelines

  • Site information provided by the Client or prime contractor (AGREED TIMES of working). W/end by prior agreement. (To be confirmed) Site related hazards to have been assessed such as electricity supplies, water supplies available and scaffold requirements.

    • Pre-construction phase or phase plan identifies proposed traffic and pedestrian routes which are communicated to all relevant organizations.

    • Traffic restrictions, PPE requirements and speed limits identified via signage upon site entrance.

    • Vehicles and pedestrians segregated via physical barriers and / or raised curbs.

    • Vehicle routes far enough away from doors or gates that pedestrians use, or from pedestrian routes that lead on to them.

    • Traffic routes have a well-drained surface and road sweeper engaged.

    • Traffic routes kept free from obstructions, and this is monitored on a daily basis.

    • Appropriate markings and signs are displayed in accordance with the appropriate parties having jurisdiction e.g., speed restrictions, one-way systems, crossing points, designated loading / unloading areas.

    • Steep slopes are avoided or clearly signed when necessary.

    • Sharp or blind corners avoided, or measures implemented such as mirrors to improve vision where they are unavoidable.

    • Routes firm, even, reinforced where required, and able to safely bear the loads that will pass over them.

    • Routes maintained to provide good surface for vehicles or people, e.g., gritted or sanded if slippery, with no obstructions, holes, or loose materials.

    • Signage and barriers in site to give prominent warning to limited headroom e.g., goalposts.

    • Traffic routes designed to avoid passing close to any edge, or anything that is likely to collapse (excavation) or be left in a dangerous state if hit (such as scaffold systems), unless they are fenced or adequately protected.

    • One way system implemented with suitable signage where possible.

    • Where a one-way system is not possible drive-through loading and unloading zones implemented, or parking areas with entrances and exits on either side, providing areas to allow vehicles to turn safely.

    • All non-essential personnel forbidden to enter areas where vehicles are reversing.

    • Spotters provided (supervision).

    • Main routes wide enough to accommodate large vehicles maneuvering activities.

    • All drivers report to site office for instruction / procedures (in various languages where required)

    • High-visibility clothing worn.

    • Artificial lighting installed to improve visibility.

    • Highly visible barriers, speed bumps or wheel stops used to warn drivers where they need to stop.

    • Designated parking for work-related vehicles which are separate from private cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.

    • Drivers are informed of what to expect when they arrive at a site in writing, e.g., any restrictions on vehicle size or type, or when goods should be delivered or collected.

    • Safe system of work for deliveries and collections.

    • A safe place /exit point for drivers to wait during loading and unloading is provided, which is kept clear of obstruction at all times.

    • No unauthorized site access.

    • Entire site fenced and isolated / secured from unauthorized persons.

Emergency evacuation

  • People at risk:

    • Employees

    • Fire/explosion

    • Weather effects

    • Injury caused by failure to follow emergency evacuation procedure

    • High Vis Vest

    • Fire Extinguisher

    • First Aid Kit

    • Emergency plans are to be posted on the Health and Safety board that include fire exits, fire extinguishers, and First Aid kit locations

    • Evacuation Maps are posted throughout the location

    • Fire extinguisher training

    • First Aid / CPPR Training

    • Review of Safety Policy

    • Review Evacuation Map

  • N/A

    • In the event of an emergency: Stay calm.

    • Pull fire alarm if necessary to alert all staff and customers of danger and need to evacuate. If you hear a fire alarm, take it seriously and proceed to the nearest exit.

    • Stop what you are doing immediately and proceed to the nearest available exit; ensure that all customers exit the store via the nearest available exit.

    • Once you have exited the building, proceed calmly to the muster point. If the muster point cannot be reached, exit as far away from the building as possible

    • If able, call 911 and advise that an emergency situation has taken place. If possible alert the Manager on duty, or the Health and Safety committee representative that 911 has been called.

    • The manager on duty must take a reasonable effort to ensure that all customers have exited the building.

    • Have the Manager on Duty or a representative from the Health and Safety committee do a roll call of staff and determine if anybody is missing.

    • Do not leave the property unless you have checked with a manager and they have instructed you to do so.

    • NEVER re-enter the building until you have been instructed to do so by emergency personnel.

    • Provide First Aid to staff or customers as required, and to the extent you feel comfortable, safe, and learned.

    • If the power goes out:

    • Stay calm.

    • Stop what you are doing and explain to any customers in your immediate area that an evacuation is necessary.

    • If you are in the middle of a transaction or task, do not complete the task. The safety of yourself, the customers, and your coworkers takes precedence over the task.

    • If you are forced to take shelter indoors:

    • Stay calm.

    • Stay away from exterior doors and windows including skylights.

    • Stop what you are doing and explain to any customers in your immediate area that staying inside the building is necessary and why.

    • Assist the manager on duty if you are able.

    • Provide First Aid to staff or customers as required, and as you feel able and comfortable.

Slips, trips and falls

  • People at risk:

    • Employees

    • Slip/trip hazards

    • Injury caused by slipping, tripping or falling

    • Gloves

    • Wet Floor hazard sign

    • Rubber gloves

    • Mop and bucket

    • Paper towel

    • Degreasing/cleaning solution

    • Salt, Ice Melt, Sand

    • In-house training by individuals who are experienced and knowledgeable with the task

    • WHMIS Training

    • SDS reference regarding chemical usage

  • Water, gravy, grease, broken glass jars of product, and meat are all slip hazards and must be dealt with promptly as follows:

    • Warn your colleagues that you have spilled something on the floor and ask them to stay by the spill to warn other people approaching that there is a hazard.

    • Collect the cleaning equipment and hazard warning sign.

    • Put on rubber gloves.

    • Lift as much of the spillage as you can with paper towel. Exercise additional caution if there is broken glass – try to collect as much of the glass as you can with a broom and dustpan.

    • Mop the area thoroughly with cleaning or degreasing solution.

    • Dry the area thoroughly with clean paper towel.

    • Check to see that the area is no longer slippery or greasy.

    • Put all the cleaning equipment away to avoid trip hazards.

  • Any item left on the floor is a potential trip hazard!

    • Never leave stock on the floor. Unpack and store in the appropriate area. If you are not able to do this immediately, leave the item(s) on a cart, a bench or a shelf until it can be stored correctly.

    • Do not leave empty cardboard cartons on the floor. Flatten the cartons and place on a cart, or pack them into one carton and place in a safe, out of the way position until you can take them to the baler.

    • Ensure that all electrical wiring is tucked and secured out of the way.

    • Colleagues are trip hazards too. Be aware of colleagues working behind you, especially if they are working at floor level (e.g. stocking low cupboards/freezer, etc.). Always warn a colleague if you are behind them.

    • If contractors are working within the department, keep clear of their work area as they often have tools, etc. around them which are also a trip hazard. Contractors must also be given the same considerations and warnings as your colleagues.

    • Keep all walkways within the department clear and free of hazards.

  • Even a fall from a low step can cause injury!

    • Never climb up shelving or stand on a cart to reach a high item. Use a step stool instead.

    • Where possible, get a taller colleague to reach an item stored up high.

    • Ensure any steps or ladders are placed on a slip free floor, and follow proper procedure for working with ladders.

Cordless drill

  • People at risk:

    • Employees

    • Sharp edges

    • Electric shock

    • Dust

    • Tools/equipment

    • Overturning/collision with vehicle structures and/or pedestrians resulting in crush/impact/fatality

    • Eye Protection

    • Gloves

    • CSA approved eye protection

    • CSA aaproved gloves

    • Review the owner’s manual

  • N/A

  • Hazards

    Sharp edges, Tools / equipment, Slip / trip hazards

    Risks

    Injury caused by contact with defective machinery

    Controls required and specific instructions

    Always begin by setting up your work area safely to avoid any trip hazards, uncomfortable work conditions, electrical hazards, crowded work spaces and other dangerous situations. Use only designated area. Use pilons or signage to block off work area. Ensure the appropriate bit is correctly installed and that it is appropriate for the task and material. Work piece – ensure work piece is securely clamped. Be prepared to firmly grip the tool when in use. Identify on/off switch Inspect electrical cord if so equipped.

  • Hazards

    Electric shock, Sharp edges, Dust, Tools / equipment, Slip / trip hazards

    Risks

    Injury caused by contact with machinery

    Equipment

    Eye Protection, Gloves

    Controls required and specific instructions

    Leave machine unplugged/unpowered until ready to use. Ensure customers and children are clear of immediate work area. Keep fingers, hands and cables free of clutter and surrounding area. Check that the bit runs “true” and does not wobble. Excess vibration must be identified and addressed immediately. Increase working loads gradually. Use smooth fluid motions. Use caution when drilling through holes. Be aware of flying debris, dust and particulate. Aim debris away from self and other people. Turn drill off when not in use. Ensure machines have been isolated from power sources before being cleaned, adjusted, maintained or repaired. Unplug when not in use. Charge cordless drills when not in use.

  • Hazards

    Sharp edges, Slip / trip hazards

    Risks

    Injury caused by contact with machinery

    Equipment

    Eye Protection, Gloves

    Controls required and specific instructions

    Remove cutters from chuck before putting tool away. Store cord in such a way that it is not in contact with the blade. Never carry any power tool by its cord. Remove battery and charge if less than 50% power.

Safe handling of power tools

  • People at risk:

    • Employees

    • Vibration

    • Mechanical machinery

    • Tools/equipment

    • Awkward/sustained posture

    • Dust

    • Noise

    • Repetitive movement

    • Sharp edges

    • Cuts

    • Loss of blood/bleeding

    • Flying debris

    • Eye Protection

    • Hearing Protection

    • Gloves

    • Safety Goggles

    • Hearing Protection

    • Gloves

    • First aid kit

    • In-house training by individuals who are experienced and knowledgeable with the task.

    • Review the company’s power tool policy

  • N/A

    • Only use power tools in a manner specified by the operational instructions and in dry environments.

    • Do not use broken power tools, ones that have cracks or splits in them, or tools that have had guards removed.

    • Do not force the power tool. This can make the tool less effective, damage it, or could make the tool slip. Ensure the cutting blade, disc/belt, bit, etc. is correct for the application and is in good condition.

    • For repetitive or long lasting tasks, take micro breaks or change tasks or positions to reduce stress on the same muscles.

    • Try to work in neutral positions as often as possible (wrists and back straight, elbows in, reduce back twisting by instead taking small steps to reposition, etc.) and try to avoid overreaching.

    • Use both hands to use the power tool if it has been designed this way.

    • Keep work areas free of loose tools which could be tripped over and after use, return tools to designated areas and keep them unplugged.

    • Wear eye protection when cutting with power tools, drilling or grinding. Direct sparks, chips etc. away from you and others.

    • Always keep your second hand (for one handed tools) and other body parts clear of the cutting, drilling, or grinding path of the power tool. Cut / grind etc. in a direction away from the body

    • Try to use power tools where there is adequate ventilation to remove dust. If this is not possible, use a dust mask

    • Use clamps or other practical way to secure and support piece(s) to a stable platform before working on it. Holding pieces or items with only your hand or against your body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control and serious injury.

    • De-energize the tool once you are finished using it and before changing, bits, blades, discs, belts etc.

    • Let the tool cool before touching the blade, bit etc. to change it

Using a step ladder

  • People at risk:

    • Employees

    • Contractors

    • Working at height

    • Faulty equipment/PPE

    • Incorrect or inappropriate use

    • Uneven ground

    • Falling from step ladder

    • Injury, broken body parts

    • Safety footwear

    • Step Ladder

    • Employees to review company’s health and safety policies as they pertain to the safe use of ladders

    • Training on the safe use of step ladders

    • Inspect the ladder before using it. If the ladder is wood, check for cracks and splits in the wood. If the ladder is metal or fiberglass, check for bends and breaks.

    • Test movable parts to see that they operate without binding or without too much “free play.”

    • Never use a damaged ladder. Tag it as “Defective” and report it to your supervisor so that it may be removed.

    • Non-conductive fiberglass or wood ladders should be used instead of metal ladders when performing electrical work.

    • Ensure that metal steps and rungs are grooved or roughened to prevent slipping.

    • Place the ladder on a firm and level base and ensure that the ladder is equipped with a non-slip style base.

    • Always open a step ladder completely and make sure the spreader is locked open.

    • Never substitute makeshift devices of wire or rope for step ladder spreaders.

    • Keep all four feet of the ladder on a firm, level surface.

    • Keep the steps and rungs of the ladder free of grease, oil, wet paint, mud, snow, ice, paper and other slippery materials. Always face a ladder when climbing up or down.

    • Use both hands and maintain a secure grip on the rails or rungs.

    • Never carry heavy or bulky loads up a ladder.

    • Climb up yourself and then pull up the material with a rope.

    • Climb and stand on a ladder with your feet in the center of the steps or rungs. Do not overreach from a ladder or lean too far to one side. Keep your body centered and do not reach in excess of an arm’s length.

    • Never climb onto a ladder from the side, from above the top or from one ladder to another.

    • Never slide down a ladder.

    • Allow only one person at a time on a ladder unless the ladder is designed for two people.

    • Never use the ladder as a horizontal platform, plank, scaffold or material hoist.

    • Never use the ladder on a scaffold platform. If you need to reach higher, the scaffold should be higher.

    • Do not stand higher than the second step from the top of a step ladder, unless the ladder has a platform equipped with suitable handrails.

    • Do not sit or stand on the top of a step ladder cap, on the pail shelf or on the back of a step ladder.

    • Do not straddle the front and back of a step ladder.

    • Never splice or tie two short ladders together to make a long section.

    • Use safety shoes on ladder feet whenever there is a possibility of slipping.